Vic Labor slams public transport fare hike

The Victorian opposition says the government should not increase public transport fares if it is not going to invest the money back into the system.

A Metro train approaches Richmond station in Melbourne.

The Victorian opposition has criticised the government for increasing public transport fares. (AAP)

Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews has taken a swipe at the Victorian government for increasing public transport fares without plans to invest it back into buses and rail.

Mr Andrews said there was no detail on how the government would spend revenue raised by new measures outlined in Friday's budget update and the government should not be hiking public transport prices while building an $8 billion road tunnel.

"If you're going to increase public transport fares, the least you can do is invest that money in better transport services," Mr Andrews told reporters on Saturday.

Public transport fares will rise by 2.5 per cent, two-hour fares will expire after exactly two hours and weekend fares will go up under measures to keep the budget in the black until 2017.

Taxes on poker machines will be increased and Melbourne's parking congestion levy will be vastly expanded as part of the plan.

In announcing the changes on Friday, treasurer Michael O'Brien said Victoria had the strongest state finances in Australia.

Victoria is on track to record a $221.8 million surplus in 2013/14.

The surplus is predicted to reach $2.7 billion by 2016/17.

Mr Andrews said the opposition would have to take a closer look at the detail of the tax changes before it decided whether to support them.


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Source: AAP


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